Mahalasa Temple, Goa
With a sack full of various beliefs, the Mahalsa Temple is among other famous temples in Goa. Some say that the small pool of water inside the temple was sprouted by Goddess when she struck it with her toe. And to no surprise, an idol was found at that same place with hundreds of stories behind it.
To attain divine experience, one must attend the aarti sequences or maybe the daily rounds of worship held in the temple premises.
History
According to the legend, the presiding deity Goddess Mahalasa once appeared to a cattleman on the Sonsada plateau at Verna. Asked to go and fetch his master by the goddess, the petrified cattleman is said to have tried to escape his difficult situation by lying that the cattle were thirsty and had to be watered. The goddess is said to have then touched the ground with her ankle ornament creating a spring, which can be seen today as the Lake Nupur. Eventually, only the master's son-in-law could be summoned and was asked by the goddess to construct this Temple at the spot where she appeared.
Architecture
Built-in the traditional Hindu style of temple architecture, characterized by a splendid copper roof, a granite mandap, and an ancient bell; the temple is a must-visit for its calm and serene surroundings. The best time to visit the temple is on Sunday, which is considered Goddess’ Day. On this day she is taken on a walk around the temple in a palanquin amid much pomp and show as well as the chanting of Bhajans and prayers.
